Beginning next month, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) will be eliminating 50 positions from their flagship factory in Tillamook. The layoffs come as an attempt to reduce the high transportation costs associated with shipping cheese across the nation. Beyond saving money, TCCA hopes the cuts will improve overall efficiency as well. Starting February, only 40 percent of the cheese will be packaged at the factory, and the rest out of state, closer to its final destination. As a result up to half of the packaging department in Tillamook will lose their jobs.

With a population of roughly 4,500 residents, and few family wage jobs available, a cut of 50 positions will have a large impact on the local community. Already the Tillamook Cheese Facebook page has been immersed with comments regarding the announcement, including strategies as to how Tillamook could avoid these reductions.

TCCA has been active in defending their decision. The company is claiming that the cuts are necessary to remain competitive within the market place, and to deal with their growing customer base out with the Northwestern states. TCCA hopes that natural attrition within the workforce and retirements will account for some of the cuts, and states that Tillamook will always remain as the home and headquarters of the TCCA.

Do you live in Tillamook? What role does Tillamook County Creamery Association play in Tillamook, Oregon? How do these cuts affect you?